C.J. Wilson struggles with command
For a guy who took over the role of the “ace” in the starting rotation, C.J. Wilson has handled the duties better than most expected he would. He can get away with struggling once in awhile, so long as the Rangers come out with a win. Such was the case on Tuesday night against the Houston Astros. Wilson gave up four runs and 11 hits through 6.2 innings. Luckily, his offense picked him up, thanks to a game-tying home run from Josh Hamilton and a game-winning, walk-off blast from Mitch Moreland, his second home run in as many nights.
Mitch Moreland swingin’ a sweet bat
After Monday night’s 455-foot bomb, Moreland admitted he did watch it just a little bit. On Tuesday night, there was no doubt he admired his work on another bomb to right field, this one of the walk-off variety in the 11th inning. The very first pitch Moreland saw he sent deep into the Texas night and about 15 rows back in the second deck, sending his teammates jumping dugout railing and over to home plate to await the impending celebration. It was Moreland’s second blast in as many nights. If his bat stays hot, the Rangers could get on a much needed winning streak as they head towards the All-Star break.
Mike Napoli on the trading block?
Last week, CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler wrote a blog post talking about the San Francisco Giants’ interest in Rangers catcher Taylor Teagarden. A week later, Knobler seems to think the Rangers will deal Mike Napoli to the Giants once he’s ready to be activated from the disabled list. I can see the Rangers dealing Teagarden, especially seeing the kind of struggles he’s had with the big club. I don’t see them dealing Napoli at all, and there’s no reason to do so. He’s a better hitter than Teagarden and Napoli can back up starter Yorvit Torrealba behind the plate and give manager Ron Washington a decent defensive option at first base. The Giants need catching, especially after the season-ending injury to Buster Posey. But don’t expect the Rangers to engage them where Napoli is concerned. Unless there’s a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter coming back in the deal.